I was a bit concerned about him being Japanese in appearance, however, I can understand how hard the moviemakers found the casting process for this character.
Ra's is supposed to look like a man who is from EVERYWHERE. The comics did their best to not tie him to any country - obviously finding someone in real life to play a character such as this would be incredibly difficult. I think they did a good job regardless.
IMO people have kept an image of a middle eastern Ras Al Ghul in their minds. And I think this can be traced back to the Batman Animated series from Fox. Setting aside the ethnic background, Ken looks great as Ras. Specially with the Samurai image he possesses. Great actor and personally I think his performance will be excellent.
I don't think there's anything wrong with making him Japanese. It's just like what Tim Burton did when he made Harvey Dent black, and we were all used to seeing him as white in the comics. I think the reason directors do race changes here and there, is because they want to bring the comic book characters into a real world that isn't all white.
This movie will suck.
I dont know why you guys are bothering keeping it a spoiler, it's not surprising at all what happens in the movie. If you look at my past posts you'll know what im talking about.
This movie sucks. All they had to do was follow the real story and it would have been great. PLUS, they needed a better costume. And less viallains, but noooo, it's the same mess all over again, with a different visual tone, and a more "serious" feel, but still the same ol crap.
It amazes me that hardcore Batfans cant see that, but you soon will when you'll take witness to the fact that this movie will not make much more than SW: reveange of the Sith made in it's 1st weekend. That's right Batman Begins will make under 200 mil. That equals a disaster in the U.S.
Real hardcore "Batfans" like you call them don't give two red cents if Batman Begins will make less money than SW:Revenge of the Sith. We're glad that there is a new Batman movie and this film is base on Batman Year One novel. And they needed a better costume??? That's silly! Batman's costume looks fine. Get over it.